Search for the night of power – Don’t lose out!

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger(saw) as saying: He who observed the fasts of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven, and he who observed prayer on Lailat-ul- Qadr with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven. [Sahih Muslim Book 6, Hadith 209]

Amongst the nights of Ramadhaan, there is one called ‘Laylatul Qadr’, a night that is noted for its greatest blessings.

The Noble Qur’an describes it as being greater in blessedness and spiritual virtue than a thousand months, which in turn means that it is more valuable than eighty three years and four months. Fortunate indeed is that person who attains the full blessings of this night by spending it in the worship of Allah, because he has then attained the reward of ‘Ibaadah’ (worship) for eighty three years, four months and even more. Indeed (the granting of) this night for the faithful Muslims is a great favour.

Abu Hurairah (ra) reports that Rasulullah (saw) said: “Whoever stands in Prayers and worships on the night of power,with complete faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.”

In the above Hadith, ‘Standing’ refers to ‘Salaat’, but includes any other form of ‘Ibaadah’, as for example ‘Zikr’, ‘Tilawah’, etc. The phrase … with sincere hope of gaining reward’, means that one’s intention should be pure and one should stand before Allah in utmost humility and sincerity.

The night of Laylatul Qadr is of great significance. The Holy Quran was sent down in this night. Angels descend in this night. This night is better than a thousand months hence whatever good deeds you do in this night, it’s like you did it for 1000 months or 83 years! Authentic hadiths say Laylat-al-Qadr happens in the last 10 days of Ramadan (in an odd night). There is strong scholarly opinion that it is mostly on 25th, 27th or 29th night of the Ramadan.

‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) and Ibn Numair reported Allah’s Messenger (saw) as saying:Look for Lailat-ul-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.[Sahih Muslim Book 13, Hadith 282]

Things You Must Be During Lailatul Qadr
 I’tikaf in the Masjid
 Pray Tahajjud
 Recite the Quran
 Special Dua recommended by our Prophetاَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me)
 More duas/supplications
 Recite more Quran
 Repeat all these again and again like you may not get another Ramadan or Lailatul Qadr

Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:
“Indeed, we sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” [Quran 97:1-5]

“Indeed,We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, we were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter – [Every] matter [proceeding] from us. Indeed, We were to send [a messenger] As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”[Quran 44:3-6]